2006 Ford F-150 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2006 Ford F-150 has a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th out of 21 model years, with a Good verdict capped due to less complete records for 2005-2009. Engine problems lead complaints at 30% share, followed by brakes at 16%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 F-150 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 585
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 58
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 18
- Injuries
- 42
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 13 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 42 / 1
Top 2006 Ford F-150 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine178 (30%)
- Brakes96 (16%)
- Electrical System65 (11%)
- Fuel System59 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires58 (10%)
- Steering55 (9%)
- Airbags48 (8%)
- Structure & Body48 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain46 (8%)
- Other31 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal reportedly goes to the floor with little or no stopping power, sometimes leading to collisions at low speeds.
- Steering can suddenly fail after a popping noise, traced to a stripped tie rod screw in the rack and pinion assembly.
- Electrical smoke or fire has been reported while driving at highway speed, with no warning indicators beforehand.
- Accelerator pedal has reportedly stuck while in four-wheel drive reverse, causing unintended movement.
- Front seats have reportedly collapsed during rear-end collisions, resulting in occupant injuries.
2006 Ford F-150 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V107000Feb 23, 2011Airbags1,325,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Ford is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 f-150 pick up trucks as well as certain model year 2006 lincoln mark lt vehicles. If the clockspring jumper wire comes in contact with the driver side frontal air bag lower horn plate, the wire insulation may become chafed, creating a potential for a short circuit. If this occurs the air bag warning lamp may illuminate indicating that service is required.
Risk: The driver side frontal air bag could inadvertently deploy increasing the risk of injury or loss of vehicle control if occurring while in motion.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln/mercury dealer to have a new clockspring jumper wire installed that incorporates a protective mesh cover. Repairs will be performed free of charge. This safety recall began on some vehicles in march 2011. The recall campaign on the expanded population is expected to begin on or about may 9, 2011. Owners may contact the ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
- NHTSA 08V208000May 7, 2008Brakes605,684 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford is recalling 605,684 my 2005-2006 f-150 and lincoln mark lt vehicles equipped with 5.4l 3-valve engines. The brake booster vacuum supply hose attached to the intake manifold fitting may swell over time and lose retention force. This condition could allow the hose to become detached from the fitting during an intake manifold backfire. Should the hose detach from the intake manifold, several brake applications with power assist will be available before the vacuum reserve is depleted.
Risk: Once the brake booster vacuum reserve is depleted, the driver will have foundation brake function, but with increased brake pedal effort. Reduced vehicle braking could lead to a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace a rubber hose on the brake booster vacuum supply tube assembly. The recall began on june 27, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- NHTSA 06V033000Feb 6, 2006Electrical System211,432 vehicles
Interior lighting
Certain pickup trucks fail to comply with either the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 105, 'hydraulic and electric brake systems' or fmvss no. 135, 'passenger car brake systems.' these vehicles were built with a software error in the instrument cluster.
Risk: This error could prevent the antilock brake system (ABS) warning light from illuminating if the ABS module ever became inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the instrument cluster in these vehicles. The recall began on february 27, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2006 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Ford F-150 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2006 F-150 a complaint index of 20, ranking 17th of 21 model years for this model. Its verdict is Good, though it is capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
- What problems does the 2006 Ford F-150 have?
- Engine issues make up 30% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 73,125 miles. Brakes follow at 16% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 38,200 miles.
- Does the 2006 Ford F-150 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2006 F-150, covering airbags, brakes, the electrical system, and windshield wipers. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2006 F-150 compare to other years?
- The 2006 F-150 has a complaint index of 20, lower than 2005's 30 and much lower than later years like 2013 at 100 and 2018 at 95, both rated Avoid.